DEVASTATED Conservative MPs have vowed to continue to meet their constituents after the heartless killing of long-serving Tory MP Sir David Amess.
Pershore’s MP Harriett Baldwin and Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston revealed their determination to ensure such a link was retained despite the horrific events in Leigh on Sea on Friday (October 15).
Sir David, 69, died after being stabbed several times, the second sitting MP to have been killed in the last five years after Labour MP Jo Cox’s murder in 2016.
An MP since 1983, Sir David represented the constituency since 1997 and was widely respected across the chamber.
Grief-stricken Parliamentarians gathered at the House of Commons on Monday (October 18) to pay their respects amid a debate on MP security.
Speaking to the Observer, Mrs Baldwin said she remained adamant MPs should not abandon public-facing events in the aftermath of the attack and like Mr Huddleston had held her surgery as events were unfolding in Essex.
“I am still numb after the terrible murder of my colleague. My thoughts and prayer are with his family and friends,” she said.
“Over the recent year we have seen some terrible threats to MPs safety; we’ve seen the murder of Jo Cox, the terrorists attacks on the Houses of Parliament which saw PC Keith Palmer lose his life and now Sir David horrifically attacked.
“But my message is simple. As MPs, we must not be bullied by terrorists and extremists into changing our methods and I plan to continue doing surgeries.
“We may need to adapt our methods to meet police guidance, but I urge constituents who need advice or assistance to get in touch and I will do my best to help,” she added.
Mr Huddleston said he was shocked at the stabbing of a man he hailed ‘one of the kindest people in politics.’
“He was one of the first people to welcome me to parliament in 2015, inviting me into his office and telling me his door was always open. Such a decent, kind man,” the Mid Worcestershire MP said
“He was a highly visible and active parliamentarian and will be greatly missed by his constituents as well as his many friends in parliament – on both sides of the chamber.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“We’re reviewing ways of working in line with police advice. I always make myself available to my constituents,” he added.
A 25-YEAR-OLD arrested initially on suspicion of the murder of Sir David continues to be questioned by counter terrorism officers
In response to the attack West Mercia Police confirmed it was liaising with local MPs on security arrangaments following the attack.
Supt Gareth Morgan, said: “Local officers will be out in areas where MPs have planned surgeries to engage with communities and reassure them.”
